By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Analyze the nature and dynamics of public opinion, including its formation and expression in democratic societies. Evaluate the role of mass media in shaping and reflecting public opinion, including their function as instruments of propaganda and tools for political communication. Assess the structure and control mechanisms of mass media organizations, and their impact on the dissemination of information and shaping of public discourse. Apply theoretical frameworks to analyze the effectiveness and ethical implications of various forms of propaganda, including political propaganda, public relations, and advertising. Critically evaluate methods of measuring public opinion, including surveys, polls, and focus groups, and interpret the reliability and validity of opinion data. Discuss the concept of media competence and its implications for fostering informed citizenship and democratic participation. Synthesize knowledge of the role of press and broadcasting in politics to develop informed perspectives on contemporary issues related to media influence and public opinion manipulation.